TRIPLE CHEESE DONUT with Ham

 

Crave-Worthy Combination: Cheesy, Hammy Donut Delight

Are Triple Cheese Donuts Worth the Hype?

Recently, these triple cheese donuts from Lola Nena's have been catching the attention of Pinoy netizens. So, inspired by their popularity, I decided to make my own version of Triple Cheese Donut—but with a twist. I added cooked ham to make it extra special.

Why Triple Cheese Donuts?

This Pinoy-style soft and sugary donut is already a delight on its own. But what makes it truly stand out is the savory trio of cheeses—cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese—oozing from every bite. The addition of cooked ham takes it to another level, making it even more delicious and satisfying. Imagine biting into a fluffy donut, the sugary coating giving way to a burst of creamy, savory cheese, and then a hint of smoky ham. It’s a combination that’s hard to resist.

Making My Version

Here’s a glimpse of how I made my version of Triple Cheese Donuts with cooked ham:

• Dough Preparation: I started with a classic donut dough, making sure it was soft and airy.
• Cheese Trio Filling: I used a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese for that perfect melty center.
• Adding the Ham: Thin slices of cooked ham were added to the filling, giving each donut a savory kick.
• Frying and Coating: Once filled, the donuts were fried to golden perfection and coated with a generous dusting of sugar.

Recipe Video:

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs (116 ml)
• 134 ml lukewarm milk (total of 250 ml)
• 50 g brown sugar
• 9 g instant yeast
• 370 g bread flour
• 40 g cornstarch
• 5 g sea salt
• 5 g bread improver
• 40 g butter
• Cheddar cheese, small diced
• Cream cheese, small diced
• Mozzarella cheese, small diced
• Cooked ham, small diced
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar for coating

Procedure:

1. Bloom the yeast: In a bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and brown sugar. Sprinkle the instant yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes, or until foamy. This activates the yeast and ensures your donuts rise properly.

2. Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the activated yeast mixture, eggs, bread flour, cornstarch, salt, and bread improver. Using a dough hook attachment on your stand mixer (or by hand), knead the dough for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add the softened butter and knead for an additional 2 minutes until fully incorporated.

3. Incorporate the cheesy goodness: In a separate bowl, mix together the diced cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cooked ham. Gently fold this cheese and ham mixture into the prepared dough.

4. First rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. Shaping the donuts: Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Use a donut cutter or a mug and a smaller round cutter to create donut shapes.

6. Second rise: Place the donut shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise again for 30 minutes.

7. Frying the donuts: Heat enough vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat to reach 350°F (175°C). Carefully transfer the donuts, a few at a time, into the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

8. Coating and serving: Drain the donuts on paper towels to remove excess oil. While still warm, roll them in the granulated sugar for a delightful sweet and crunchy exterior. Serve your Triple Cheese Donuts with Ham warm and enjoy the delightful explosion of flavors! Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the pot when frying the donuts. This can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in greasy donuts.
• If you don't have a donut cutter, you can simply use a sharp knife to cut out donut shapes.
• Feel free to adjust the cheese types to your preference. Experiment with different cheeses to create your own unique flavor combination.

The Verdict

Are Triple Cheese Donuts worth the hype? Absolutely! The combination of sweet and savory is a match made in heaven, and the addition of ham just elevates the experience. These donuts are perfect for a special treat or to impress guests with something uniquely delicious.

Give it a Try

If you’re a fan of cheese and love trying out new twists on classic favorites, you should definitely give Triple Cheese Donuts a try. And if you’re feeling adventurous, add some cooked ham for that extra special touch. You won't regret it!

I hope this recipe inspires you to try your own version of the viral Triple Cheese Donut! With the addition of ham, this recipe takes the sweet and savory combination to a whole new level. So ditch the line and create these delicious donuts in the comfort of your own kitchen!

What’s your take on the Triple Cheese Donut craze? Have you tried making your own version? Share your thoughts and recipes in the comments below!